Australia secured an exciting two-wicket victory over England within the Ashes opener at Edgbaston, with Test captain Pat Cummins scoring an unbeaten 44 runs to information the group to victory in a difficult state of affairs.
Speaking forward of the second Test at Lord’s on June 28, Paine, who lately stepped down as captain on account of a ‘sexting’ scandal, said, “They (Australia) can play at different tempos, they can play different scenarios and I think their game will stand up in different conditions. England, we know, are going to go one way, they’re going to go really hard.””I think from what I’ve seen earlier and what I thought going into the series, I think that’s where Australia have got the advantage,” Paine added.
Paine revealed that he had exchanged textual content messages with present Test captain Pat Cummins, who expressed his elation concerning the group’s triumph. Paine shared, “I actually spoke to Pat Cummins on text yesterday (Tuesday). He said, ‘We’ve got one back for us’, yeah look, it was nice sitting on my couch.”
Recalling the dramatic victory, Paine admitted that he almost misplaced hope when Alex Carey was dismissed, leaving Australia in a precarious place throughout their chase.
“At 4 am (Australia time) I must admit, when Alex Carey got out and Nathan Lyon strolled to the crease, I contemplated going to bed because I didn’t want to have to watch the English win. But gee, what a partnership, it was two experienced, hardened cricketers, two absolute winners. It was an amazing partnership and a great Test match to watch made even better by the fact that we’re on the right side of it for once,” Paine mentioned.
Paine anticipates that Australia will proceed to enhance because the collection progresses, emphasising the necessity for the group to adapt to completely different conditions and show a mix of defensive and aggressive play.
“I think Australia as the series goes on will get better and better. I think there was some clear strategy from both sides, whether it’s attack or defence when a Test match goes for five days, you’ve got to be able to do both. With a series that goes for five Test matches, you’re going to have to do both.”
“If I was being really harsh, I didn’t think Australia played anywhere near their best either. Look down the side, Pat Cummins came good in the second innings with the ball, but he wasn’t at his best in the first innings. David Warner was ok, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne both missed out, Scott Boland who’s been amazing, had probably his first bad Test match. Nathan Lyon was fantastic, and Alex Carey was brilliant, but I think some of our big guns were below their best,” Paine mentioned.
Looking forward, Paine believes that Australia’s means to play at completely different tempos and modify to various circumstances gives them with a strategic benefit over England within the Ashes collection.
(With inputs from PTI)
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com